KS27: U.S. and Japanese Airmen build readiness through combined training
KOMAKI AIR BASE, Japan – The 909th Air Refueling Squadron and 718th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron arrived at Komaki Air Base, Japan, for exercise Keen Sword 27, Oct. 16, 2026.
The 909th ARS, which rapidly deploys KC-135s for Pacific Air Forces missions, is supporting KS27, an exercise that provides U.S. and Japanese forces opportunities to train together, strengthen interoperability and enhance their ability to operate as a unified force.
The two Kadena based squadrons work as a pair. The 718th EAMXS maintains Kadena’s Stratotankers, which allows the 909th ARS to provide air refueling to the U.S., its allies and its partners in the Indo-Pacific. Air refueling extends the range and flight time of fighters, bombers and surveillance aircraft, letting them stay on mission without landing.
Komaki Air Base is home to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s 404th Tactical Airlift Squadron and operates the KC-767J for aerial refueling and transport missions, providing opportunities for the exchange of operational expertise and bilateral engagement.
“It is a privilege to conduct bilateral flight operations, collaborative mission planning and shared professional exchanges alongside our Japanese counterparts”, said U.S. Air Force Capt. Daniel Mote, 909th ARS KC-135 Stratotanker pilot. “The integration throughout exercise KS27 exemplifies the strength and durability of the Japan-U.S. alliance.”
Over the years, the professional relationship between the 404th TAS and the 909th ARS has continued to grow. What began as mutual invitations to air festivals and change of command ceremonies has evolved into participation in complex operations and working together effectively.
“Working hand in hand alongside our JASDF counterparts allows us to share maintenance knowledge, learn from each other’s procedures and build the trust necessary to sustain operations together,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Moceri, 718th EAMXS production superintendent. “These exchanges strengthen interoperability and ensure we accomplish the mission as a combined force.”
About 45,000 Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel and approximately 11,000 U.S. service members are taking part in Keen Sword 27, the 18th iteration of the biennial field training exercise, along with forces from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the Philippines. South Korea and the United Kingdom are attending as observers. From aerial refueling operations to exchanges of aircraft maintenance procedures, the exercise allows U.S. and Japanese forces to build on a more than 70-year partnership and strengthen their ability to respond to shared regional challenges together.
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